Blackpool-based Brodie Donougher will become the 39th young performer to take on the iconic title role in Stephen Daldry’s hit production of Billy Elliot The Musical when he steps on stage at the Victoria Palace Theatre for the first time today.
The 11-year-old, who also becomes the 76th boy to play the part of Billy Elliot worldwide, will join a cast that includes Ruthie Henshall, Deka Walmsley, Chris Grahamson and Ann Emery.
Talking about his journey to the London stage, Donougher said: “My mum heard about the Billy Elliot auditions being held in Manchester and asked me if I would like to audition. I got through to the London auditions and was invited to train at the Billy Elliot summer school in 2013. I really enjoyed the experience and knew then that I wanted to be Billy, and I was overwhelmed when I was offered the role a year later.”
The young West End debutant will be joined in the cast by fellow newcomer 10-year-old Connie Fisher from Northallerton, who takes on the role of Mrs Wilkinson’s daughter Debbie, and 19 other girls aged between 9 and 14 who join the cast as ballet girls.
Based on the Oscar nominated film of the same name, Billy Elliot The Musical is set in a northern mining town during the 1984/85 miners’ strike and follows Billy’s journey as he follows his dream of becoming a ballet dancer.
The Olivier Award-winning production, which will be available on DVD next Wednesday following the live screening in September, is currently booking at the Victoria Palace Theatre until 19 December 2015.